Feng Shui is a Chinese art, which combines geography and astronomy to optimize the flow of chi (life energy). Feng shui, literally meaning wind and water, shares its philosophy with the ancient Indian architectural science- Vastu Shastra. Both concepts believe in synchronizing people’s lives with their environment, create a free flow for positive energy, and facilitate in capturing solar energy and the earth’s magnetic energy. A feng shui living room is considered as a room for opportunity.
Door of a feng shui living room should ideally open towards the inside and be made of wood. Well lit alcoves and corners, bright paintings and lamps bring in positive energy. A clutter free and well lit entrance also attracts chi. Feng shui encourages maintaining equilibrium between the yin and yang, i.e. masculine and feminine elements. For instance, balance should be maintained between soft and bright colors, horizontal and vertical arrangements, or low and high items. A circular or octagon shaped seating arrangement creates room for more openness in interaction and higher comfort level.
Superimposing a ba-gua map on the house floor plan helps in determining corners that affect education, relationships, career, children, wealth, travel, fame and family. Feng shui recommends placing of fish tanks, wind chimes, potted plants with round leaves in such corners for achieving fruitful results in the above eight aspects. Pictures of tress on the room’s eastern wall drive a family together, while lake or waterfall pictures on the northern wall brighten up career prospects. Furthermore, feng shui strongly recommends placing fireplace, family photographs, and mirrors in a living room. However, placing of mirrors opposite to the entrance would reflect back chi entering the room. Also, electromagnetic waves disrupt the flow of chi if electronic goods are placed in important corners. Feng shui also discourages placement of dry flowers.